Life changes can be overwhelming, but they don’t have to be. Change is a natural process of life. We are all constantly evolving and circumstances are constantly shifting. Subtle changes don’t generally have a big impact on us, but big life changes can disrupt our nervous system and cause the brain to feel overwhelmed, defeated, and at times hopeless. Big life changes, especially if they’re unexpected, require resilience, solutions, and of course, support. With these tools, you will be able to navigate and support yourself through life changes, big or small. Change is a big factor in life, without changes we are like robots. Sometimes we change to adapt, change for a cause, or change to be a better person.
Surrender
The first step to supporting yourself through big life changes is to surrender. You might think that surrendering is giving up, and in a way that is true, but surrender is more the act of releasing resistance. During change, the more you resist, the less you have the ability to move forward and find solutions. Surrendering is an important part of supporting yourself through big life changes because it gives you the opportunity to accept what is occurring.
Acceptance is a powerful state to be in when big changes happen because resistance is what causes our suffering. Accepting gives you the option to let go of control and embrace the truth of uncertainty, trust, and evolution. Whatever may be occurring in your life, there is only one thing you can control, which is yourself. Surrender gives you peace of mind as it gives you the opportunity to release control of outside experiences, and focus on what truly is in your power. Surrendering shifts you out of resisting whatever changes are occurring and places you into a powerful state of acceptance and inner awareness that will give you the courage and strength to move forward.
Anchor & Ground Yourself
Anchoring yourself with grounding practices is crucial during any shift. Grounding practices are incredibly powerful and have the ability to calm the nervous system, restore neurotransmitters, and bring an overall sense of peace into the body. The mind-body complex is always being affected by our experiences so taking the time to nurture the system will help tremendously. Your grounding practice can be part of your routine or anything you do throughout the day to bring you into the present moment. When we are not grounded we are more irritable, reactive, and fearful.
There are a variety of grounding practices. Deep breathing, yoga, affirmations, and meditations are great anchors that will help you feel connected, supported, and improve your resilience. However, grounding practices can also include connecting with nature. When you are grounded you will feel confident about making decisions, have more mental clarity, and feel calm.
To ground yourself, use your five senses. Touch, smell, sound, taste, and sight. Start by naming things that you can see, smell, touch, and if applicable, taste. Using your five senses immediately brings you into your body. By increasing the mind-body connection, you are more attuned to your experience and it gives you the ability to direct it the way you want it to go!
Find Solutions
Once you have released the resistance to what is occurring outside of your control and grounded yourself, you can begin to focus on the challenges at hand and find solutions. While looking for solutions, it can be incredibly helpful to write down your thoughts and feelings. This gives you a sense of where you’re at, and what you need to address. If you haven’t already done research online or talked to others that have been through similar experiences, take the time to get insight and ideas.
Make a list. When there are a million thoughts running through your head in different directions, take a couple of minutes to jot it all down. Getting it out of your head and onto paper will relieve a lot of stress and give you a clearer picture of what you can do next. Brainstorm with others and then with yourself to find solutions that feel true and right for you. If there are too many options and you’re having a hard time figuring out what to do next, make a list of pros and cons for each solution and determine what would be the best option for you. Be sure to take into consideration what outcome you desire and trust that whatever solution or next step you take, will propel you closer to that outcome.
It can also be helpful to connect with a mental health professional to help you navigate all of the changes that are occurring. Online talk therapy is a great option because it can be done from anywhere.
Look for the Light
Whatever we focus our attention on, grows. In times of change, focusing on all that is working out well will greatly improve your mood and how you show up. Support yourself by being your biggest cheerleader. As humans, it is natural for us to seek validation, guidance, and warmth from others but you can give this to yourself. Empower yourself through positive self-talk, and gratitude, and actively convert your intentions into action. Humans are incredibly flexible and throughout your own life, you’ve already overcome so much. Writing down things that you’re grateful for is proven to calm the nervous system and focus your attention on all of the good things that exist in your current situation. From this place, you are more empowered to support yourself through big life changes.
Overall, going through big life changes can take a toll on your mind, and body. It is crucial to find acceptance, ground yourself and seek solutions and light to support yourself through it all. Surrendering is the first step to supporting yourself through big life changes. It gives you the opportunity to accept what is occurring which is what will lead you to find the perfect solution. Staying grounded throughout challenges will also help you support yourself through difficult times as it will soothe your nervous system and connect you to a force larger than yourself. With these tools, you will feel supported through big life changes and be able to conquer anything!
Catalina McFarland
Catalina McFarland holds a B.S. in Communication from Arizona State University. She is a holistic health coach and blogger at catasparkle.com where she loves sharing her passion for wellness. Outside of writing, she loves traveling, doing yoga, and reading.